RIVER FOREST, Ill. – Marian University women's basketball (2-10, 1-6 NACC) battled against Concordia University Chicago but a strong effort behind the arc for the Cougars led CUC to a 69-53 win.

Marian came to play early as the Sabre energy on both sides of the court gave them the early lead at 6-2. The Cougars would answer back to claim their first lead of the game scoring four straight points forcing a Marian timeout at 8-6. Marian would use the timeout to regain momentum and take a 17-10 lead heading into the second quarter.

Out of the break, the Cougars would cut away at the Sabre lead tying the game at 22 with under five minutes left to play in the second quarter. The Marian defense continued to shine in the second quarter forcing 10 Cougar turnovers. Two late buckets by the Cougars, however, would give them the lead heading into halftime at 28-25.

It was a back-and-forth affair early in the third quarter as both the Sabres and Cougars traded buckets with the lead not growing bigger than 4 for either side. The Cougars would start to pull away implementing a full-court press which forced costly Sabre turnovers leading CUC to a 43-36 lead heading into the final quarter.

In the final quarter, the Sabres sparked a 10-0 run to regain the lead at 46-43. Concordia Chicago would not go away quietly, though, as they sparked a 14-0 run of their own to retake the lead at 60-48 with under three minutes left in regulation. The Cougars would connect on eight of nine three-pointers to extend their lead and claim the victory over the Sabres.

The Sabre offensive front was led by senior Nicole Paulus who finished the game with 19 points and seven rebounds. Junior Brandi Bender chipped in with 12 points, while freshman Carley Wilson grabbed 12 rebounds.

Marian will be back in action at home Wednesday, Jan. 11 against Edgewood College with a 7 p.m. tip.